By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Some Peace Region crops look good, others very dry

Aug 11, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Sexsmith farmer and Alberta Grains Director Greg Sears says most of the crops in the south Peace are looking really good.

He says it’s especially true when compared to other parts of the region.

“I think as you go north, north of Spirit River (and) Fairview, it gets drier and drier.”

“My understanding is that crops in the north Peace, in the Manning-La Crete area, they’ve been quite dry all year and are going to be below if not well-below average.”

Sears adds things look better in the south Peace.

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“Around Grande Prairie and east toward Valleyview, I think our crops will be average to above average. We certainly hope we can get them harvested in good quality without a bunch of problems.”

Sears says there have been problems with a wide variety of insects.

“That has caused some damage to the crops. Fortunately, I think most of the crops have been strong enough in the south Peace to withstand it. Certainly, we’ve heard lots of stories of grasshopper pressure up in the drier parts north of Spirit River and in the north Peace.”

Sears adds his area has had a touch of hail but not anything that did much damage.

He says farmers in his area are hopeful this year as there are some good crops coming and input prices are starting to come down.

Sears says there are also large areas in the southern and eastern parts of Alberta that have also had very dry conditions all year and have poor crops.